Meghalaya CEO issues show-cause notices to four political parties for inactivity

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Meghalaya, BDR Tiwari, has issued show-cause notices to four registered political parties that have remained inactive in the state’s electoral process for over six years.

The parties—Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP), North East Social Democratic Party (NESDP) and the Regional Democratic Secular Congress (RDSC)—have been warned of possible deregistration if they fail to justify their non-participation.

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According to the CEO, the notices direct the parties to submit written explanations supported by affidavits, constitutions and other documents by September 3.

Their representatives have also been asked to appear before the Election Commission on the same day. “If they fail to comply, necessary action, including deregistration, will be initiated without further notice,” Tiwari cautioned.

The action comes after a review found that these parties have not fielded any candidates in either the Assembly elections or the Lok Sabha polls since 2019.

KHNAM, formed in the early 2000s on a strong tribal identity platform, was once considered a force in select constituencies but gradually lost ground in the face of larger regional players.

The Meghalaya Democratic Party, created in the late 1990s by former legislators, enjoyed influence in its early years but later splintered and slipped into political irrelevance.

The North East Social Democratic Party and the Regional Democratic Secular Congress, on the other hand, have remained on the margins, with little or no presence in the state’s electoral battles.

The Election Commission of India has, in recent years, increased scrutiny of dormant political parties across the country, with many being accused of existing only on paper, sometimes to avail tax benefits or retain influence without electoral accountability.

In Meghalaya, where coalition governments are common and smaller regional outfits often play decisive roles, the warnings signal a tightening of rules to ensure that only active political players remain in the fray.